Stunting in children is a very prevalent problem in Lao PDR, which is why its government has set a target to reduce stunting by 25% until 2025. An approach termed ‘Baby WASH’ that includes food hygiene, clean play areas, control of animal faeces, and child handwashing, has been proposed to address the nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive issues in children under 2 years old or in their first 1000 days, respectively. We developed behaviour change strategies based on quantitative data of the population at risk for the behaviours handwashing with soap before feeding a child, controlling and inhibiting mouthing of food by a baby, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. These behaviours can prevent stunting and help children to start life strong.
For more information, please see these link:
- Start life strong in Lao PDR – Insights on Baby WASH
- Behavior change interventions on baby wash related behaviors
- Fact sheet BabyWaSH
